National PTA Applauds 2014 National Teacher of the Year

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. (May 2, 2014) — National PTA® congratulates Sean McComb for his recognition by the Council of Chief State School Officers as the 2014 National Teacher of the Year. McComb is an English teacher at Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts in Baltimore, Md. He was selected to receive the honor from teachers across the country for his commitment to engaging and inspiring all students to reach their full potential and turn challenges into opportunities for excellence. As the National Teacher of the Year, McComb will address attendees during the 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition on Sunday, June 22 at the Convention Center in Austin, Texas.

McComb developed and leads a mentor-based, college-readiness program at Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts called Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID). The program equips students with the habits of mind and academic supports they need to take rigorous high school courses to prepare for college. In the program's last two graduating classes, 98 percent of students were admitted to four-year colleges. AVID has helped Patapsco receive recognition as a top high school from The Washington Post and U.S. News andWorld Report for the first time in its 50-year history.

Beyond the classroom, McComb demonstrates his commitment to his students by chaperoning students to and hosting students from China through the Baltimore County China Cultural Exchange Program as well as giving up his spring break to take students on college bus tours. He also actively serves his community and works to instill a sense of service in his students through projects including serving meals to the homeless and delivering donations for Neighbors in Need at a local church.

McComb, along with all 2014 State Teachers of the Year, was honored by President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House on May 1. National PTA participated in the ceremony and also served on the selection committee for the National Teacher of the Year Program.

“Sean and teachers like him across the country touch the lives of students every day, and their work and impact far exceeds the boundaries of the classroom,” said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA. “National PTA salutes Sean and all of the 2014 State Teachers of the Year for going above and beyond to ensure every child reaches his or her full potential.”

In addition to the National Teacher of the Year Program, National PTA serves on the selection committee for People Magazine’s Teacher of the Year Award. The association also designates the first week of May as PTA Teacher Appreciation Week to celebrate, honor and thank teachers for their contributions and impact on children’s lives.

About the National Teacher of the Year Program

The National Teacher of the Year Program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Every year states select a teacher of the year to participate in the National Teacher of the Year Program. State teachers of the year are selected on the basis of nominations by students, teachers, principals, and school district administrators throughout the states. A panel convened by CCSSO, representing 15 national education organizations, chose the four finalists from the 2014 state teachers of the year. The panel then personally interviews each finalist before naming the National Teacher of the Year. The finalists for 2014 National Teacher of the Year are Dorina M. Sackman (Florida), Ryan Devlin (Pennsylvania), and Melissa Ann Porfirio (Virginia). You can read more about the finalists here.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.